Many enterprises are endeavouring to improve their performance to meet the challenge of increased competition in domestic and world markets. They are realizing that their own employees - workers as well as managers - can and should be better involved and utilized. These enterprises have seen what others have achieved: investing in strategies to improve workplace relations through cooperative means (e.g. by information sharing, consultation and twoway communication) can promote innovation, improve fle'xibility and facilitate change. It can increase enterprise productivity, efficiency and competitiveness, and lead to more job satisfaction and better wages and working conditions for workers. It should also reduce the incidence of industrial disputes.
This publication outlines what workplace cooperation is, the principles and preconditions which underpin it, its objectives, who are involved, the forms such cooperation may take, and the factors which will influence its development.